Page 70 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Two

I’m not sure which part makes my dick hardest—her slightlydamp panties in my pocket, the sexy-as-fuck dress that barely covers her buttcleavage, or the fact that she just told me her pussy is bare under there.

“Come on.” She turns her back on the room, grinning up at meand tugging my hand where I still grasp her wrist. “Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your friends?”

Chapter Eleven

Takira

My head is buzzing, and I haven’t even had a drop ofliquor. My brain is overloaded with names and connections and relationships.When Lotus invited me on this trip, she said it would be a few close friends,which is technically true. There are just so many powerful personalities in oneroom. Rarely do I feel intimidated. I move in some rarefied circles from timeto time in my line of work and rub up against entertainmentindustry elite, but everyone here is at the top of their game somehow.

Banner and Jared, a power couple, two elite sports agents.

Kenan and Lotus, obviously. Her, one of the buzziest namesin fashion; him, a basketball legend, guaranteed first-round Hall of Famer withbusiness enterprises all over the world.

August and Iris. Him, a franchiseplayer, one of the best in the League right now. Apparently Iris is becoming aforce in her own right, handling huge accounts with their sports agency,Elevation.

Adding to the bad-assery, Lotus’sclose friends and business partners Billie and Yari are here with theirboyfriends. Kenan’s sister Kenya, a WNBA player, is here with her new wife,Jade, who apparently is a songwriter and producer and cousin to Grip, one ofthe greatest lyricists of our generation.

So, yeah. It’s a lot. They’rea lot.

The food was fantastic. The conversation—stimulating,intelligent, hilarious. The best time I’ve had over a meal in…maybe ever. Naz’sfriends are incredible, and it’s obvious he cares about them as much as theycare about him. They were accepting and kind, though extremelycurious. I wouldn’t get this many questions on Jeopardy.

“I need a drink,” I tell Naz, glancing around the emptying dining room.

“Then let’s get you one.” He walks us over to the bar, and Iask the bartender to surprise me. I don’t particularly care what I drink rightnow, as long as it takes this edge off.

“Didn’t want to drink much during dinner,” I tell Naz. “Ihad to keep a clear head for the inquisition.”

“Ugh.” He groans but grins. “My friends are nosy.”

“They probably just want to make sure I’m not a ball bunny,or whatever you guys call those women who wait in the tunnel offering you assafter games.” I nudge him with my shoulder while the bartender prepares mydrink.

“Ball bunnies?” He lifts both brows.

“Oh, please. A man fine as you? I’m sure you get yourshare.”

“You think I’m attractive?”

I tip up to whisper in his ear, “Would my panties be in yourpocket if I didn’t?”

“Here you go,” the bartender says, offering me anamber-colored drink before Naz has the chance to respond with anything otherthan a heated stare.

“This is delicious,” I say after a sip. “What is it?”

“It’s a Genoa.” He offers Naz one, too. “Mediterranean drinkin honor of our journey. Gin, grappa, sambuca, dry vermouth with an olive. Gladyou like it.”

“You guys keeping all the good liquor to yourselves?” Kenyaasks, rising from the dining room table.

She looks like a softer version of Kenan, tall and lean withlocs hanging past her shoulders. She and Jade are newlyweds and have been stuckto each other’s sides all night. It’s sweet how they’re even now holdinghands…with twined fingers!

“You’ve had enough,” Jade mumbles as they cross the room tous. “You know how your ass gets.”

“Once! You cry once after a bottle of tequila,” Kenyalaughs. “And your wife never lets you live it down.”

“Nah.” Jade runs a hand over her neat cornrows. “It’s alsothat jet lag I’m worried about. Gin and jet lag—not a good look for you.”

“What we need is some fresh air,” Kenya says. “It’ll clearmy head. Everybody’s up on deck. You guys coming?”

The look Naz rolls over me is molten, and even my fast tailfeels self-conscious under it.